Local Author And Illustrator Complete Sequel To Children's Book
During the first year of the pandemic, author Kim Kluxen Meredith of East Hempfield and illustrator Lisa Madenspacher of Lititz created "Henri's Home," a children's book about a lost hermit crab seeking to find his family again. The book was published in October 2020.
The response to the book was positive, and Meredith soon envisioned an accompanying spiral-bound coloring book with a perforation on each page so the finished pictures could be removed and hung on the refrigerator. She and Madenspacher chose eight illustrations for the coloring book.
Meredith reported that the book, which is available at Aaron's Books in Lititz and several shore locations, did so well that she decided to write a sequel. "People can identify with the character, and Henri has turned into this little moral compass," said Meredith, who reported that in her first book Henri's message was about the importance of home.
As she prepared for the second book, "Henri to the Rescue," Meredith watched her grandchildren reading. She noted their need for excitement in a story. "There has to be a problem and danger," said Meredith, who thought of the dangers associated with objects floating in the water and chose a fishhook caught in the flipper of Henri's new friend, Simon the sea turtle. To complete the story, Meredith chose to focus on the differences between the friends. "Henri was envious of Simon swimming far out (to sea)," she explained, noting that Simon plays with dolphins and stingrays in places Henri cannot go. "Through their differences they solve a problem together," said Meredith. "There's a message of diversity and acceptance, and there's a consistent refrain of 'You are you and I am me.'"
In creating Simon, Meredith looked into a green sea turtle's habitat, the shape of his flippers, his diet, and his mobility in the water, among other facts. "I research to make sure I am scientifically correct," she noted.
Madenspacher worked to create a character that was both charming and real. "The tricky part is making the character look authentic ... while making it cute so it appeals to children," she said. "In Simon's case the most important thing I needed to pay attention to was that green turtles aren't particularly green."
With "Henri to the Rescue" just published this fall, the pair have certainly had fun and enjoyed bringing Henri's stories to children. "Kim is a delight to work with," reported Madenspacher. "What makes the project fun is that she lets me study her text and run with it. I get happily lost in painting the characters and creating their surroundings."
More information about Meredith's books may be found at https://kimkluxenmeredith.com/works. Madenspacher has a gallery in Lancaster. More information about her may be found at http://www.lisamadenspacher.com.
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